Tommy Moose Helps CHP Officers Calm Toddler Separated from Mom

> On Sunday, Feb. 17, an officer of the California Highway Patrol arrested a woman for driving under the influence of alcohol; she had been driving nearly 100 mph. With her in the car was her 18-month-old daughter. We were unable to get hold of any family members to care for the little girl; she was given to the custody of Alameda County Child Protective Services.

The baby was sad and very upset that her mother no longer was with her, so our officers gave her a Tommy Moose plush toy. She loved her Tommy Moose! At one point the little girl dropped her “blankie” and Tommy. She went immediately for her Moose and left her blanket on the floor. Having access to Tommy Moose certainly helped our officers instill some sense of security to the little girl.

Thank you for continuing the Tommy Moose program as you have in years past. Please let your members know of our thanks and the success of the program.

Paul Fontana
Commander, California Highway Patrol
Castro Valley, CA

ALS Leader Expresses Thanks to Dedham, MA Moose

> It was just a couple of months ago when mention was made to a Moose member in Florida of the need to transport a number of specialized power wheelchairs from Massachusetts to New Hampshire for use by patients living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). Within days, arrangements were made by the Moose Lodge in Dedham, MA, to procure a specialized vehicle and the manpower to pick up the power wheelchairs from the ALS Association Chapter office in Massachusetts and transport them to the office in Concord, NH.

The Moose organization’s dedication to caring for young and old, bringing communities together, and celebrating life, was evidenced by the selfless actions of the volunteers from Dedham Lodge. Your members’ contributions have been greatly appreciated by those now able to move about safely while continuing to live with the paralyzing symptoms of ALS.

Please accept our heartfelt appreciation and thanks for your gracious efforts.

Cynthia Knoche
Director, Chapter Patient Services
The ALS Association National Office
Calabasas Hills, CA

‘I Love My Moose
Brothers and Sisters’

> All my young life, I have been one to push the envelope. This holds true to this day, as I am the only African-American member of Essex, MD Lodge 70. At first I was a little apprehensive, especially since I often take my small children there.

However, let me tell you--these are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. They all know me by name, and call me by it. It makes me feel I truly belong there. I love my Moose brothers and sisters. I hug them. They are all really nice to my family and me, and the Moose is an excellent way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Valdez V. Fisher
Baltimore, MD

Editor’s note: Brother Fisher, 33, happens to have published a book last year, entitled “I Ain’t Bitin’ My Tongue,” published by AuthorHouse Inc. Reviews and more information are available at www.authorhouse.com.

Ever Had That Thought? Why Not
Send a Resume to Moose International?

> Moose International’s Membership Department is looking for candidates tro be considered for future openings in the department’s field staff -- either as a Regional Manager, in charge of coordinating our fraternal programs in one of our 44 State or Provincial Moose Associations; or as an Operations Analyst, a traveling officer charged with providing assistance to, and oversight of, Lodge and Chapter operations. It is up to the visiting Operations Analyst to examine the overall Moose operations and guide officers toward proper fraternal performance.

If either position sounds like a challenge you could meet, you’re invited to email a resume to moosehr@mooseintl.org, or mail a hardcopy to: Department of Human Resources, Moose International, 155 South International Drive, Mooseheart, IL 60539.

And, for more details about these positions, and exactly which geographic areas might be available at any given time, feel free to telephone the Membership Department at 630-966-2228.